The BCCI plans to announce the IPL 2026 fixtures in two parts due to the overlap with Assembly Elections in states like West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Assam. The tournament is set to run from March 26 to May 31.
Initial reports suggest that the first announcement will include the fixtures for the first few weeks, specifically about 20 to 25 matches. The complete schedule will follow once the Election Commission confirms the election dates. This approach was used for the IPL 2024 schedule as well, which was split due to General Elections.
Security Challenges
A major concern is the availability of security personnel. The Assembly Elections require a significant number of police and Central Armed Police Forces, which will be occupied with election duties and unable to provide security for IPL matches.
States like West Bengal (294 seats) and Tamil Nadu (234 seats) will need substantial security, making it difficult to ensure adequate protection at venues such as Eden Gardens and MA Chidambaram Stadium. This situation is referred to as ‘bandobast’.
Franchises may also face challenges with venue availability. For instance, Kolkata Knight Riders usually play home games in Guwahati if Eden Gardens is unavailable. However, with Assam also in elections, Barsapara Stadium may not be an option. They might have to consider alternative venues like Cuttack or Ranchi.
Impact of T20 World Cup on Stadiums
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will also take place during this time. Major IPL venues in Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, and Chennai are scheduled to host World Cup matches.
The stadiums will need time for renovations, branding updates, and pitch repairs after the World Cup. Thus, announcing the schedule in two phases allows for a smoother transition.
Expected Timeline
The first phase of the IPL 2026 schedule is expected to be announced in late February, covering about 20-25 matches. The second phase is likely to be revealed in mid-March, once the Election Commission provides a detailed schedule.
Given the election timeline, security requirements, and stadium readiness for the T20 World Cup, a two-phase schedule appears to be the best option for IPL 2026.
